The mRNA in the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines actually encode only a few hundred or fewer amino acids of one specific region of the surface glycoprotein, S, which is overall about 900 amino acids in length. That region being the Receptor Binding Domain. Thus they both elicit a panoply of antibodies directed only at that domain. Given the absolute dependence of the SARS-CoV2 virus on the ACE2 receptor for entry into cells, that is likely to be why the two vaccines work more or less on every variant so far known; there is only so much genetic variability in that domain that will still permit efficient receptor binding. In effect, the capacity of the virus to evade the immune response elicited by the vaccines without a reduction in its binding affinity for ACE2 is very limited. Woe unto us if the virus ever "learns" to use some other cellular surface protein as its ticket to cell entry. Most other human pathogenic viruses are not so limited as is SARS-CoV2.
Peter Lederman in Second Bout With COVID-19
I saw on Facebook late last night that Mike Fremer told one of his Audio Friends that he heard from Peter Lederman of Soundsmith that he is suffering his second round with COVID. Peter said he has blood clots on his lungs. That is all the post said. Here is hoping that Peter pulls through with a full recovery.
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- 502 posts total
- 502 posts total